Ghana head coach, Otto Addo, has emphasized that no player is guaranteed a spot on the field, including the Black Stars’ key players.
Speaking to the media last Thursday after unveiling his squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Angola and Niger, the 45-year-old coach expressed his readiness to bench anyone who doesn’t perform, including high-profile players like Thomas Partey, who was notably left out of the 25-man squad.
“It’s not about local or non-local. It’s about performance. If you train well, why should I leave you on the bench? If I think you are better than whoever—Kudus or whoever—then why should I let him play?” he said.
“I want to win. I’m not doing anything just to please somebody. And to be honest, I’m not afraid. I’m not afraid to put whoever on the bench. I’m not afraid. But I’m looking at the performance,” he added.
The Black Stars began training on Monday with eight players in camp and are set to hold a final session today before flying to Luanda on Wednesday.
Their first AFCON qualifier will be an away match against Angola at Estádio 11 de Novembro on Friday, November 15, 2024. Three days later, they will host Niger in Accra at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Ghana currently sits third in Group F, with two points from four games, behind Angola and Sudan. Facing an uphill battle, the Black Stars are determined to turn things around and secure a spot in the tournament.
